Category: Bridges

A dental bridge, sometimes called a fixed partial denture, is a popular solution for missing teeth. A bridge has a lower upfront cost than implants, yet provides greater stability than a removable partial denture, making this a popular option. Many patients in Dolton, Riverdale, and other area communities ask what the procedure involves.

The entire process of creating and placing a bridge can usually be accomplished in just two or three appointments, taking about three weeks or less. The steps involved include:

• First and foremost is a comprehensive examination to ensure that you are a good candidate for a dental bridge. Dr. Dietrich will explain the advantages and disadvantages of all available options, so that you can make an informed decision.
• If you have chosen a bridge to fill that gap, the next step is preparation. The teeth on either side of the space must be contoured so that dental crowns will fit over them. The actual false tooth (called a pontic) is fused to crowns, keeping it stable.
• Once the teeth are prepared, impressions are taken of both arches. These will be sent to a dental laboratory, where the bridge is created.
• Dr. Dietrich may create a temporary bridge, here in the office, which you will wear while you wait for the permanent one.
• When your new bridge is ready, we will schedule the second appointment. After removing the temporary, the doctor will carefully check the esthetics and fit of the new bridge. If adjustments are needed, they can usually be made here in the office. However, he will return it to the laboratory if necessary to ensure a proper fit.
• When the new bridge is just right, the doctor will cement it to the prepared teeth.
• The final step is to enjoy your healthy, dazzling new smile for many years to come!

Do you have a gap to fill? Call Pleasant Dental at [phone] and schedule a consultation with Dr. Dietrich to learn more about your options.

A dental bridge is a non-removable (fixed) appliance used to replace one or more teeth. It usually includes two dental crowns with a false tooth (pontic) between them. Depending on the situation, there may be more than one pontic, or even three crowns. However, the principle is the same. Crowns placed on natural teeth are used to stabilize replacement teeth, literally bridging the gap.

The benefits of dental bridges include:

• Dr. Dietrich can restore the appearance of your smile with a carefully designed bridge, made of beautiful materials.
• Your chewing functionality will be restored.
• Biting forces will be distributed more evenly, because you won’t have to avoid chewing on one side.
• Your remaining teeth will be stabilized, preventing them from shifting toward the gap.

The procedure begins with a consultation. Dr. Dietrich will examine your teeth and discuss your options. An implant supported crown or bridge may be suggested as an alternative. If several teeth in a row are missing, implants or a removable denture may be a better choice. However, for most patients, a traditional dental bridge is a viable option.

If you and Dr. Dietrich decide that a bridge is right for you, the first step is preparing the abutment teeth for crowning. They need to be shaped to allow for optimal retention of the restoration. Once your teeth are prepared, an impression is taken and sent to a laboratory. It takes a couple of weeks for your new custom bridge to be fabricated. You will be provided with a temporary to wear in the meantime.

When the lab completes your bridge and sends it to our office, we will arrange your next appointment. Dr. Dietrich will check the fit and appearance, and changes will be made if needed. When the bridge is just right, it will be bonded in place. With regular visits to our office, and excellent oral hygiene, your restored smile should last for many years.

If you have a gap in your smile, call Pleasant Dental at [phone] and schedule an appointment with Dr. Dietrich to learn more about your options. Our office is conveniently located in Dolton, just minutes from South Holland.

No one wants to lose a tooth, but unfortunately, it happens. Gum disease is the number one culprit. Other common reasons include severe cavities, trauma, and fractures. In any case, if you have a gap in your smile, you probably want to fill it.

The three common ways of replacing missing teeth are implants, bridges, and dentures. At Pleasant Dental, we offer all three options, because everyone has different preferences and priorities. The most significant differences are:

• Implants (topped with restorations) can replace one, several, or all teeth. They take the longest, and have the highest upfront cost. However, they help preserve your jawbone, and they don’t require any alteration to other teeth. Implants do not require any special care; brush and floss just like natural teeth. They are also the most stable and last longer than alternatives, making them more economical in the long run.
• Traditional dentures can replace all (full plate) or several (partials) teeth. A denture is not a good option for replacing a single tooth, because it would be bulky. They are fast and economical. They are removable, which makes oral hygiene easy. However, they are less stable than alternatives. Full dentures typically need to be relined or replaced every few years, to accommodate changes in your gum and bone tissue.
• Bridges can replace one or several teeth. A bridge is supported by existing teeth, so it can’t be used if the entire arch is missing. The procedure is fast, completed in just a few weeks, and the result can last for a decade or longer. Bridges are permanently bonded in place, which makes them very stable. It also makes oral hygiene a bit more challenging, because you need to floss under the false tooth.

When you visit Pleasant Dental in Dolton, Dr. Dean Dietrich will help you choose the option that best fits your schedule, budget, and preferences. Before making any recommendations, he will perform a comprehensive examination, and explain any oral health considerations. If you have suffered severe bone loss, implants may not be viable without a graft. If you currently have gum disease, it will need to be treated for the success of any dental procedure.

It’s time to say goodbye to the gap – call [phone] and schedule an appointment today.

Losing a tooth can be traumatic physically and emotionally. Just one gap can interfere with eating, speaking, and smiling confidently. Fixed bridges are among the most popular options for replacing missing teeth, as they are more stable than partial dentures with a lower upfront cost than implants. However, without proper care your bridgework, and the teeth supporting it, can be very short-lived.

Typically, bridges are said to last between five and seven years, but that depends largely on the skill of your dentist and your own oral hygiene. Dr. Dean Dietrich wants you to love your smile for many years to come. He carefully prepares the abutment (supporting) teeth, ensuring that the restoration is not subjected to undue pressure. He also offers tips and instruction for preventing decay of the abutment teeth, which is the most common reason for bridge failure.

The pontic (false tooth) rests against the gumline. Unfortunately, bacteria only need a microscopic space to enter, so they can accumulate by the millions under it. Although a bridge is not susceptible to direct decay, it can trap bacteria against your gums and adjacent teeth. It is vital to clean under the appliance thoroughly, every single time. There are several ways this can be accomplished, without adding a great deal of time to your oral hygiene routine.

Flosser: This very helpful tool resembles a large, curved, plastic sewing needle, and works in a similar manner. Floss is inserted through the eye, which allows you to thread it under your bridge.

Stiff ended dental floss: If you prefer not to use a flosser, you can buy pre-cut lengths of floss, which have one stiff end to go under your bridge.

Interproximal brush: This very small brush may be able to reach some areas under and around bridgework. However, it should not be your only method of cleaning your appliance, because it cannot fit in the smallest spaces.

Oral irrigator: This device allows you to clean hard to reach places with water pressure. It can be useful for bridges, braces, crowded teeth and other challenging hygiene situations.

Of course, one of the most important things you can do to keep your smile beautiful and healthy (with or without a bridge) is visit Dr. Dietrich every six months for cleanings. Call us at [phone] for all of your dental care needs.

For patients who are missing a tooth or several teeth due to age, disease, or trauma, smiling may be the last thing on their mind. Gaps from missing teeth are not only unattractive, but they can also cause bone loss and encourage an individual’s other teeth to shift out of place. This can create a problem for the patient’s entire mouth, as well as his or her self-esteem.

Addressing missing teeth can be as easy as having a dental bridge placed. Dental bridges are used to replace missing natural teeth. A Dental bridge consists of a false tooth or teeth between two crowns. The teeth surrounding the space are trimmed to allow the placement of the crowns so these teeth can support the missing teeth replacement. The bridge is bonded or cemented on, and can last years or even decades with proper care and attention.

Dental bridges are just one of many ways to replace missing teeth. Bridges are often considered for patients looking for a more cost-effective way to address a space left behind from a missing tooth. Other options may include a dental implant or a partial denture.

There are many factors involved when deciding whether a patient is a candidate for Dental Bridges. Dr. Dietrich will sit with you during a consultation to discuss what your options are when it comes to cosmetically replacing one tooth or several teeth. If a patient is not considered a viable candidate for Dental implants or partial dentures, dental bridges may become the treatment of choice. They can be effective to not only fill the space left behind, but to keep your remaining teeth from shifting.

Having an experienced dentist in Dolton such as Dr. Dietrich, will help you systematically improve your smile. From Dental Bridges to dentures, Dr. Dietrich can work with you to determine the best plan of action for improving your smile and focusing on the overall health of your teeth and gums. Call Pleasant Dental Dolton, IL today to schedule an appointment and start taking charge of your smile! [phone].

Dental bridges are often considered for dental patients who have lost one or more teeth due to trauma, extraction, or disease. Dental bridges are restorations that are created to fill the gap between teeth, and utilizes the surrounding teeth in order to crown and support the bridge. When done right, bridges can help keep teeth from shifting and can help an incomplete smile look complete.

However, bridges are not the only option when it comes to addressing missing teeth. Two other alternatives are available:

Partial Denture

A partial denture is created much like a retainer, in which it will clip into place and will provide a false tooth in the space where the previous tooth used to reside. While affordable, some patients do not like having something they have to remove from their mouth daily. However, it is a relatively inexpensive way to address the problem and give yourself time to consider other alternatives in the future if you so desire.

Dental Implants

Dental implants, on the other hand, mimic the complete replacement of the missing tooth or teeth. The implant itself is placed into the bone in a procedure that often causes less discomfort than the extraction of the tooth. Once the area has properly healed, a crown is placed on the implant to create the final tooth replica. The benefits of dental implants include the fact that they are strong, natural looking, and are considered a permanent replacement for a natural tooth. Though generally costlier than bridges they will require less attention and care in the long run which can save you money over time.

Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants which is why it is essential that you schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Dietrich of Pleasant Dental in Dolton. Together you can talk about the benefits of each tooth replacement alternative, and decide which restoration is best for your particular situation.

Everyone’s smile and dental needs are different, and it is important that your lifestyle, budget, and dental health are all taken into consideration when deciding what restoration is best for you. Call Pleasant Dental today [phone].

Crowns, bridges; it’s all the same and they’re all Greek to me.

Since these two dental treatments fall into the same general category, they often end up confused in patient’s minds. While the process of placing them and making them is similar the reasons for doing them are very different.

The basic difference between a crown and a bridge is that a crown’s purpose is to restore and protect a badly damaged tooth.

A bridge, on the other hand, is designed to replace missing teeth. Bridges rely on crowns as part of their structure which is one of the reasons they often get confused.

Here is how a bridge works. Teeth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth are trimmed for a crown. Impressions are taken, like for a crown, and then sent to a lab (in most cases) for the crowns to be made. Between the crowns are built false teeth to replace the missing ones.

This is then cemented on the teeth that were prepared for crowns. A relatively permanent solution for missing teeth.

Bridges are a good solution for missing teeth particularly if the teeth that are to hold the bridge need or could benefit from having the crowns done. If those same teeth are in great shape then a bridge is definitely inferior to implant placement, unless there is a problem interfering with that process.

Before implants bridges were the best solution for missing teeth when possible. Since implants most dentists will prefer an implant. But as I said, they still have a place in dentistry and can and often should be used to replace missing teeth.

To find out whether they might be the solution for you, call us at [phone] to arrange for a free implant consultation. O r simply click the request an appointment button on the website.

If you know what a traditional dental bridge is, then you know the greatest benefit is filling a gap in your smile. Bridges have been used for this purpose since the early days of dentistry, and they are better than ever today. There are also other options available, and implant supported restorations are highly recommended. Yet, traditional bridges, also called crown-and-bridge units, remain extremely popular. Why?

The three most common reasons that patients cite for choosing traditional bridges include:

• Cost – This is the big one. You may have read that implants are more cost effective in the long-term, because they shouldn’t need replacing. That is true, but it is also true that implants are more costly in the short-term. If you are on a tight budget in the here and now, you may prefer a bridge.
• Stability – Unlike partial dentures, a bridge is not removable. It is permanently anchored to existing teeth, holding it firmly in place.
• Time – Implants provide unparalleled stability and a host of other benefits, but they can take months to complete. A bridge can be done in just a few weeks.

A bridge might sound like a good option, and it is. However, you should be aware of a few potential drawbacks. An implant topped with a crown is considered an even better option for several reasons.

• Longevity – A bridge will likely need to be replaced in a decade or so, whereas an implant should last the rest of your life.
• Health – While a bridge is not exactly unhealthy, it does involve alteration of the adjacent teeth. They will need to be reduced and shaped to accommodate crowns, which are what supports the false tooth. Unless those teeth actually need crowns, you may prefer an independently supported implant.
• Hygiene – Cleaning an implant-supported crown is just like cleaning a tooth, but bridges can be a little more challenging. You will need to take a little extra time and attention to remove all of the plaque from under a bridge.

Dr. Dietrich offers several options, because the best answer is different for everyone. He will help you chose the right solution for your oral health and personal preferences. Call us at [phone] and schedule an appointment today.

We all hope to keep our natural teeth for life, but it doesn’t always work out that way. Attractive, seemingly healthy teeth can be easy to take for granted. Maybe you didn’t think you needed a dentist, and you could afford to skip brushing once in a while…

Unfortunately, many people don’t take their dental problems seriously until pain or cosmetic concerns drive them to the dentist’s chair. When you see Dr. Dietrich, you won’t be confronted with lectures, judgment, or criticism. He is here to help, with several excellent solutions to offer. One of the most common tooth replacement options is a dental bridge. While that may sound simple, there are actually many types of bridges.

Traditional crown-and-bridge unit

If you are missing a single tooth, and you have strong teeth on both sides of the gap, then you are probably a candidate for a classic dental bridge. It is a complete unit, composed of three parts fused together. At each end is a dental crown, and they are fitted over the teeth on both sides of the gap. A pontic (false tooth) is fused between the crowns, filling the gap. Occasionally, variations of this design may be used to accommodate more than one tooth, or a gap that only has a tooth on one side. If several teeth in a row are missing, a bridge is not ideal, unless one or more implants are placed to provide extra support in the middle.

Maryland bridge

Known as a resin bonded bridge or Maryland bonded bridge, this appliance does not utilize crowns. Instead, the false tooth is supported by a frame, usually made of metal. Tabs or “wings” on the sides of the bridge are cemented to the adjacent teeth, holding the appliance firmly in place.

Removable bridge

Generally, bridges are not removable; they are permanently attached to teeth or dental implants. A “removable bridge” is a rarely used term, referring to a partial denture.

Implant supported dental bridge

You often see comparisons of implants versus bridges, but they don’t have to be separate. A traditional bridge is supported by teeth, but a newer, more versatile type of bridge is used with implants. Each bridge is customized for the individual patient, according to the number, location, and configuration of missing teeth.

Dr. Dietrich will be happy to help you choose the best solution for your individual needs. Just call [phone] and schedule a consultation at Pleasant Dental. Our office is conveniently located in Dolton, IL, just a short drive from Riverdale.

Losing a tooth can have an immediate and profound impact on your self-esteem. Patients who have a missing tooth, whether due to decay, disease, or trauma, often find themselves feeling self-conscious, worried, or embarrassed. Furthermore, the lost tooth can have an impact on the health of your mouth and the alignment of your remaining teeth. For example, if a tooth is lost, the nearby teeth can begin to drift out of place, and your mouth can lose some of its support and begin to droop.

Luckily, there are many options for replacing a lost tooth. Implants, dental bridges, and dentures are all options that many patients consider. Patients who want a fixed appliance often opt for implants or dental bridges. Implants are usually the sturdiest option since a replacement root is inserted into the jawbone. However, low bone density or affordability can prevent some patients from considering implants.

On the other hand, dental bridges are effective for most patients. Because they do require a little bit of extra care, patients who choose dental bridges should already have excellent oral health care habits. Additionally, because the dental crown appliances includes two crowns that are attached to teeth on both sides of the missing tooth, the dentist will need to ensure that those surrounding teeth are in good shape.

A dental bridge provides the patient with the same function and appearance as the original tooth. Because the replacement tooth and the adjacent crowns are custom made, the look will be completely natural. Unless you choose to tell your friends or family, they will likely never know that your tooth had been replaced.

If you’re weighing your options for tooth replacement, call Dr. Dean Dietrich at Pleasant Dental. Dr. Dietrich has more than 27 years of experience serving patients in the Dolton area with excellent dental care. He, and his entire team, are dedicated to treating each patient with gentle care and complete respect. The team will take the time to get to know you, understand your dental concerns, and help you find the right plan for treatment.